Force’s new American recruit Sanders can ‘make a name for himself’ in BBL – Newby

LEEDS FORCE have announced the signing of 6ft 5ins American forward Jermaine Sanders.

Sanders joins the club after captaining the University of Cincinatti in his senior year. He successfully led his team through to the American Athletic Conference and to the Round of 32 in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament, where their only defeat came against basketball powerhouse Kentucky.

Leeds Force head coach Matt Newby said: “In Jermaine I see the potential and desire to prove himself in the professional ranks. The BBL will be an excellent test for a young man who has collected 20 minutes a game within a premier NCAA D1 insitution.

“He offers consistency all over the field, I genuinely believe he has a big opportunity to make a name for himself in this league. The 2016-17 season will give him the chance to refine aspects of his game and make him a stronger commodity.”

Sanders added: “I’m very excited to have joined Leeds Force, I hope to achieve great things with the club and with the support of the passionate fans, anything is possible”.

Sanders is the fifth signing of the summer by a club hoping to improve on eighth place last season. They also hope to conclude more signings in the coming weeks as they prepare for their BBL opener against play-off champions Sheffield Sharks at the Carnegie Sports Arena on Sunday, September 25.